Before The Trend: The Legacy Of Black Hair
- Natural hair is not a fleeting trend but a vital part of Black history and culture.
- Hairstyles in ancient Africa carried symbolic meaning, connecting people to their tribe and social status.
- Braids and locks became tools for survival during slavery, preserving identity and aiding escape.
From intricate braids in ancient Africa to the political statement of the Afro, Black hair tells a story of identity, resilience, and community. It’s a narrative woven through thousands of years, carrying the weight of history and the power of culture. While styles may evolve, one thing remains certain: natural hair is not a fleeting trend. It is our history, and it is still growing.
Roots in Ancient Africa
Long before it became a global phenomenon, natural hair held deep significance on the African continent. Your hairstyle was your identity card. Intricate cornrows could signify your tribe, while braids adorned with beads might reveal your social status. Locks were not just a style but a symbol of spiritual strength. Hair was a communal experience. People would gather for days, braiding, bonding, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next. It was a language of its own, spoken through coils, twists, and knots.
Resistance and Survival
The horrors of slavery attempted to sever this connection. Heads were shaved, and a vital part of cultural identity was stripped away in a brutal effort to erase history. But even in the face of unimaginable oppression, the spirit of resistance found a way to endure through hair. Cornrows became a tool for survival, used to hide seeds for planting and, in some cases, to map escape routes to freedom. Hair transformed from a symbol of identity into a lifeline.
From Assimilation to “Black is Beautiful”
In the era following emancipation, the standards of beauty shifted. Straight hair, achieved with hot combs and chemical relaxers, often became a means of safety and assimilation. This wasn’t about vanity; it was a protective measure in a society that often equated straight hair with acceptance and opportunity.
Then came the 1960s, a period of profound social and political change. The cry “Black is beautiful” echoed across the nation, and with it, the Afro emerged as a powerful political symbol. It was a bold and unapologetic embrace of natural texture, a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards. Braids returned, not as a quiet act of survival, but as a loud and proud declaration of cultural pride.
A Global Movement and the Fight Ahead
Today, the natural hair movement has expanded across the globe. We see its influence in places as far as Korea, where styles like Afro puffs are being embraced. This journey—from ancient traditions to modern expression—is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of Black hair.
However, the journey is far from over. Discrimination based on natural hairstyles remains a real and pervasive issue in workplaces and schools. This is precisely why legislation like the CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is so crucial. It aims to prohibit race-based hair discrimination.
So, the next time you see a crown of locks, coils, or knots, remember the depth of its story. It represents a rich history of community, a fierce legacy of survival, and a continuing celebration of identity. It’s more than hair—it’s history.
Before The Trend: The Legacy Of Black Hair was originally published on thebeatdfw.com
